Burley Earl Russell Canvas Cackling Goose

Burley Earl Russell (1891-1984) Stockton, CA, c. 1935 22 in. long

Russell was one of the first to create the canvas-kapok decoys and was also the most accomplished. A talented carpenter and well-known sportsman, the maker was reported to have actively hunted well into his eighth decade of life.

This rare little cackling goose has raised wing tips and a flat bottom insert with a hole for use as a stickup or sitting field decoy. Original and early working paint with gunning wear and a tear in the tail.

Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection

Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 309, related decoys illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 479, related decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection